"Precisely Because of Times Like These, I Want to Consider the Necessity of 'Cruel Stories'"

A Serious Topic for Once. Let's think about the necessity of "cruel stories." This is an essay that weaves together current events happening in the world, a terrifying movie I watched long ago, and my sense of unease about the ending of "Momotaro" at my child's school play—where instead of defeating the demons, the protagonist persuades them and reaches a reconciliation.